GABRIEL OBERTAN still believes that Newcastle United can be playing on "another level" in the Champions League - and the fit-again French winger today revealed his hunger to help get them there.

Obertan has been out for over a month with an ankle injury but will be back on the bench tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge.

The former Manchester United man starred in the competition last season and netted in the group stages against Turkish outfit Bursaspor.

Now he is determined to be back in the competition in a black-and-white shirt.

He told the Chronicle in his first interview since returning from injury: “I've played in the Champions League, and it's a great feeling. It's a massive bonus to a season.

“I've played in the Champions League, and it's a great feeling. It's a massive bonus to a season.

“Hopefully, we can get there, and play some great games next season.

“I've scored with Manchester United in it so I’d like to do the same here.

“We got to the final last season at Wembley against Barcelona.

“I wasn't involved, but I was there and it’s a magical feeling hearing that music.”

Obertan may have missed out the night that Man United were well beaten by Barcelona.

And the experience has only made him more hungry to play in the tournament again.

The Clairefontaine product said: “I was at the stadium with the staff.

“It really is another level.

“Some players here haven't played in the Champions League, and it would be great if they could get that feeling.”

Obertan is unlikely to start at Stamford Bridge but his return gives Pardew another option from the bench.

And Obertan – who has made 25 appearances this term – wants to play a part in all three of the final flurry of games.

He said: “There are three important games – Chelsea, Man City and Everton. Hopefully, I'll be involved.

“It would be nice to get the Champions League, and we have to work for that. It would be great.

“Two years ago this club was in the Championship, and we have the chance to play in the Champions League.”

Obertan, speaking at a Show Racism The Red Card event, also lifted the lid on his injury agony. The player sustained an ankle problem after the 2-1 loss at Arsenal, and said: “It was going to be only two weeks, but it was worse than expected.